Opinion & Editorial

Among all of our pasture “pets,” Maggie is the queen. More than 20 years ago, I bought the red mule with black stockings from my friend and farrier, Eddy McFarlin. This week, Maggie got dusted with snow. And when I called her, the queen trotted to the barn for a handful of sweet-feed reward. Photo by Dink NeSmith.

Among all of our pasture “pets,” Maggie is the queen. More than 20 years ago, I bought the red mule with black stockings from my friend and farrier, Eddy McFarlin. This week, Maggie got dusted with snow. And when I called her, the queen trotted to the barn for a handful of sweet-feed reward. Photo by Dink NeSmith.

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Be careful when arguing with a mule man

Dink NeSmith
Thursday, January 29, 2026
By Dink NeSmith CNI Many of my citified friends chuckle when they find me in the barn, trimming Maggie’s mane or cleaning her hooves. Few could distinguish among a mule, a horse and a donkey. Over the past 30 years, I have kept a variety of all three in our pastures.
The Hartwell Sun

The Hartwell Sun

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2026 Legislative Newsletter – Week 3

News Staff
Thursday, January 29, 2026
By Alan Powell State Rep. On Tuesday, Jan. 20, my colleagues and I returned to the Georgia State Capitol for the second week of the legislative session, kicking off “budget week.
The Hartwell Sun

The Hartwell Sun

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Celebrating our local businesses

News Staff
Thursday, January 22, 2026
As you flip through the 12 pages that make up the B-section in this week’s edition, take special note of the right and left sides of a majority of the pages. The small advertisements that line the paper are an ode to this community’s history and should be properly celebrated.
The Hartwell Sun

The Hartwell Sun

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Honk and wave

News Staff
Thursday, January 22, 2026
“Since you cannot do good to all, you are to pay special attention to those who, by the accidents of time, or place, or circumstances, are brought into closer connection with you.”  – Augustine of Hippo By Lorin Sinn-Clark- Local columnist “Life is short. Take the trip. Buy the shoes.
The Hartwell Sun

The Hartwell Sun

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Scrubbing ‘colored’ toilet helped pop idyllic ‘bubble’

Dink NeSmith
Thursday, January 22, 2026
Compared to today, the 1950s were snail-like in news dissemination. Before sunrise, the Savannah Morning News skidded on the sidewalk, with damp-from-dew St. Augustine grass acting as a backstop at 111 W. Orange St. During daylight hours, WBGR had a noon newscast.
Pansies are great winter flowers – use Agriculture and Natural Resource Agent Sierra Burke's recommended practices to keep them beautiful all season long! Photo from Metro Creative Connection.

Pansies are great winter flowers – use Agriculture and Natural Resource Agent Sierra Burke's recommended practices to keep them beautiful all season long! Photo from Metro Creative Connection.

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Perk up your pansies

News Staff
Thursday, January 22, 2026
By Sierra Burke- Local columnist Pansies are a classic choice of winter flower. They come in a variety of colors and are perfect for their area because even though they may get frozen due to the winter weather, they will thaw and begin to grow again.
The Hartwell Sun

The Hartwell Sun

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2026 Legislative Newsletter – Week 2

News Staff
Thursday, January 22, 2026
By Alan Powell- State Rep. Members of the House and Senate gathered in the House Chamber for Gov. Brian Kemp’s final State of the State Address as Georgia’s 83rd Governor.